Bright Sparks Summer 2025
The latest edition of Bright Sparks has arrived! Brimming with news, features, photos and more, it’s the best way to keep up to date with all things Fulbright NZ. In this issue: All that and much more! Click here for the digital copy, or get in touch if you would prefer a hard copy.
Information session: Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington
Have you always wanted to study or carry out research overseas? A Fulbright Award could take you to a leading institution in the United States. We have a range of awards for graduates, scholars, creatives, professionals and more. Want to know more? We’re here to help! Our 2025 outreach activities kick off with an Information Session […]
Announcing the 2025 Fulbright US Cohort
Fulbright New Zealand is thrilled to announce the 2025 cohort of US Scholars, Graduates, and Specialists. Fulbright New Zealand Executive Director, Penelope Borland, says the latest group of US grantees travelling to Aotearoa is testament to a deeply held, shared commitment to the betterment of our world. “Year after year we welcome another incredibly impressive […]
Carole Carlson
Fulbright US Specialist The University of Auckland hosts Carole Carlson from Boston, Massachusetts, who will support the University of Auckland Business School and its initiatives to expand its research in the areas of case-method learning and case writing.
Eric Palkovacs
Fulbright US Scholar Eric Palkovacs from Santa Cruz, California will research the recent diversification and ecological role of rainbow trout in Lake Taupō at the University of Auckland. Eric is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Kathleen Cochrane
Ian Axford Fellow Kathleen Cochrane from Washington, DC will research “Financing Mechanisms for the Multilateral Development Banks” at the Treasury. Kathleen is Lead Counsel for Oversight and Senior Counsel, General Counsel’s Office for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury in Washington, DC. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service […]
Elinor (Ellie) Fajer
Fulbright US Graduate Award Ellie Fajer from Littleton, Colorado will research how fungal endophytes can help combat kauri dieback in New Zealand at the University of Auckland and Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. Ellie graduated with a BS in Biology and Earth Systems from Stanford University in 2023, and an MS in Earth Systems in 2024.
Travis Richardson
Fulbright US Graduate Award Travis Richardson from Peachtree City, Georgia willl research the effects of whakamā, or shame, in shaping the experiences of non-Māori learners and speakers of te reo Māori at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. Travis is a PhD Candidate in Sociolinguistics at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Jesse Abdenour
Fulbright US Scholar Award Jesse Abdenour, from Seattle, Washington will produce a documentary film and related research about rugby and concussions at Auckland University of Technology. Jesse is an associate professor in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon.
Naeisha Ngatuvai-McClain
Fulbright US Graduate Award Naeisha Ngatuvai-McClain, from Columbus, Georgia, will research the storying of love, care, and home for LGBTQ+/MVPFAFF+ Pasifika communities at the University of Auckland. Naeisha graduated with a BA from Oberlin College, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Africana Studies in 2020, and is currently enrolled as a doctoral student at the […]
Bret Hatzinger
Fulbright US Graduate Award Bret Hatzinger from Doylestown, Pennsylvania will research Meckel Syndrome, a rare genetic disease found in New Zealand’s sheep, at the University of Otago. Bret graduated with a BS in Biology from Bucknell University in 2024.
Angela Cooke-Jackson
Fulbright US Scholar Award Angela Cooke-Jackson, from Los Angeles, California, will research reproductive and sexual health among Māori women and gender minorities through a partnership with the Māori scholars in the CARE Center and the Research Centre for Hauora and Health, at Massey University. Angela is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies and […]
Emily Lau (Kānaka Maoli)
Fulbright US Graduate Award Emily Lau from Kaimukī, Honolulu, Hawai’i will complete a Master of Indigenous Studies at The University of Auckland. Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
Sarah Goff
Fulbright US Scholar Award Sarah Goff from Amherst, Massachusetts will research health care equity at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington. Sarah is a Professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Policy at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Miah Clark
Fulbright US Graduate Award Miah Clark from Iowa City, Iowa will complete a Master of Indigenous Studies with a Pasifika focus at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington. Miah graduated with a BA in English from the University of Iowa in 2023, and an MLIS from the University of Iowa in 2024.
Paul Holland
Ian Axford Fellow Paul Holland, from Arlington County, Virginia, will research ‘Strengthening Climate Resilience within the Indo-Pacific: An Analysis of Best Practices within the New Zealand Ministry of Defence to Achieve Resilient Infrastructure.’ while gaining experience at the New Zealand Defence Forces. Paul is a Senior Program Analyst with Leidos, where he supports the Office […]
Julie Buchwald
Ian Axford Fellow Julie Buchwald, from Santa Monica, California, will provide strategies for enhancing the community engagement strategies currently employed by the Independent Police Conduct Authority, the civilian oversight agency for the New Zealand Police. Julie is a Special Investigator/Community Relations Coordinator with the Office of the Inspector General for the Los Angeles Board of […]
Announcing the 2025 Ian Axford Fellows in Public Policy
Fulbright New Zealand is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Ian Axford Fellowships in Public Policy. These fellowships are for outstanding mid-career US professionals to research and gain first-hand experience of public policy at a New Zealand government organisation. Ian Axford Board Chair Roy Ferguson says the quality of this year’s applicants was […]